In 2017, KPBS moved from in-story comments, opting to engage with audiences on social media, following suit of larger news organizations such as NPR. The goal was to make stories load faster and talk with readers on larger, more diverse platforms.
You can connect with KPBS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

There are many volunteer opportunities at KPBS. Community volunteers play a very important role at the station. Some of these opportunities include helping the station at KPBS community events, aiding with clerical duties, answering telephones during "pledge drives" and much, much more! For more information, please call the Volunteer Office at 619-594-4985. You can also visit the Volunteer page on the KPBS website.

KPBS holds many different events each year as well as participates in events around the San Diego community. In addition, each year we coordinate special shows featuring PBS and public radio personalities. For more information, visit our KPBS Events page periodically for upcoming events.

KPBS is a public broadcasting station, providing both public radio and public television to San Diego County, and as such, our programming and community outreach activities are a public service to the San Diego area. KPBS does form partnerships/sponsorships with businesses and other organizations that share similar values and missions, and as part of these underwriting agreements, these partners do receive airtime. In addition to KPBS partnering and sponsorship opportunities, there are other ways to get your message out to the community:

Interviews/KPBS News and Public Affairs Programs:
If you think your business, organization or event would make an interesting news story, you can submit your ideas to our newsroom via our online contact form.

As a broadcast service of San Diego State University, all human resources for KPBS are managed by SDSU and the SDSU Research Foundation. SDSU Foundation provides a job hotline at 619-594-1900 which includes listings for employment opportunities at KPBS as well as San Diego State University. To speak to an associate in the Personnel Office, please call 619-594-4139. You may also visit the jobs page on the San Diego State University Foundation website.

KPBS has been trying to move our transmitter to Mt. Soledad for nearly 20 years. The previous location on Mt. San Miguel allowed KPBS to have a power level of 2.7kw. The move to Mt. Soledad will increase power level to 26kw, which means the KPBS Radio signal will have the power to penetrate buildings, dramatically increasing the number of people who can listen to KPBS inside their homes and offices.
The need for this was particularly urgent during the wildfires of 2007 when we lost power and access to our radio signal because of the fires burning on Mt. San Miguel.
While fires on Mt. Soledad are certainly possible, the likelihood is much less. As San Diego’s only 24 hour news and information station, KPBS must be able to broadcast during times of crisis. Having our transmitter at Mt. Soledad increases this.

If you live in North County inland or coastal and have previously been unable to receive KPBS 89.5 FM in your home, you will likely be able to get KPBS radio now.
Homes in the east county may notice a change in signal strength or loss of signal as a result of the move. However, KPBS radio can still be heard via our live stream at KPBS.org or with the free KPBS App.

If you are in the East County and experience some loss of the KPBS radio signal, there are a few things you can try to get the KPBS back into your home:

Download the free KPBS App to your iPhone, iPad, Android phone, or tablet. Learn more about KPBS On The Go.

Listen via our site. Many of our programs can also be downloaded as a podcast.

Radios with built in antennas may experience improved reception by adding a wire to the back, plugging into an extension cord, or even repositioning the radio itself towards the new transmitter. You might also need to simply readjust your antenna(s). Point the antenna in the direction of the new location (Mt. Soledad). Some clock radios that don’t have an attached antenna may receive the signal better just by turning the radio itself. Some listeners have reported an improvement by switching to a radio with a telescopic antenna. If you’re already using this type, try fully extending the antenna or repositioning. Choose a new radio with an external antenna connector. Models Such as the Sangean WR-11 have this type of connector as do other manufacturers.

Access KPBS Radio via your Cox Cable or Time Warner Cable connection. For Cox, tune to channel 953. For Time Warner, tune to 961.

Obtain an Internet radio. Many are available at your preferred electronic retailer such as Fry’s or Radio Shack. These devices do not require a computer but do require wireless internet connection. Most come in a variety of styles (modern to classic) and size (from pocket sized to table top). With the wi fi, these radios are portable, so listeners can take them from room to room as long as the internet connection is not compromised.

You may continue to receive 89.5 FM in your car. Car antennas are stronger and can better receive the transmitted signal.

The move to Mt. Soledad, however, greatly increases KPBS’ reach in the region, ensuring that hundreds of thousands of people will be able to access KPBS radio.
Unfortunately, some homes may no longer receive the over the air signal due to surrounding terrain and typography. KPBS Engineering has made great efforts to strengthen the signal’s reach in impacted areas.
At this time, listeners who are continuing to experience a weaker signal or the loss of the signal all together are encouraged to experiment with the recommended tactics/tips if they have not already done so.
Audience data shows us that radio listeners do more than 47% of their listening away from the home, which can include at-work, in the car, and other locations (gym, shopping, recreation, etc). In addition, more than 27% of KPBS listeners listen to the radio online. While listeners in East County may experience some signal loss, we anticipate the impact to be confined to at-home listening.
The move does not diminish KPBS’ dedication to providing exceptional news coverage. Our award winning news team is prepared to bring the important stories from all over the region.
Additional measures to restore the signal’s reach in the east are under review. However these alternatives will take a significant time to clear FCC and Mexico authorizations.
KPBS continues to welcome your feedback and experience. We are committed to assisting listeners with the recommended tactics when possible. Affected listeners are encouraged to also provide the impacted location’s address or cross streets. This data can be used if/when new technology becomes available to boost our transmission and signal’s strength.

All TV manufacturers differ, so menu options, wording and other items may vary. The best way to complete the channel scan is to refer to the TV owner's manual. If that is unavailable, the following general steps should guide you through the process.
1. Using your television's remote control, press the Menu or Settings option.
2. Locate Channels or Tuner Set Up option.
3. Check the menu for an option of Antenna Type or Connection Type followed by either Antenna or Cable.
4. If the connection is Cable, do nothing. A channel scan is not necessary for cable subscribers.
5. If the connection is Antenna or Air, look for and select an option to scan or search channels.
6. Allow the TV to complete the search. You will see a bar listing how many channels have been found. The process may take up to an hour.
7. Once complete, you should be receiving digital channels through your antenna.

KPBS 2 offers award-winning and original nonfiction content that connects viewers to today's news headlines, scientific advances, historic revelations, natural wonders, and personal stories along with exclusive dramas and encore presentations of the best that PBS has to offer. Series presented on KPBS 2 include “American ReFramed,” “Independent Lens,” “POV,” “Secrets of the Dead,” and “American Masters,” among others. The primetime line-up will be locally scheduled and will feature the best of KPBS original content including “KPBS Evening Edition,” “KPBS Spectrum,” “the Roundtable,” and selections from KPBS Explore.

On Spectrum, the KPBS channels are located at 1221 (for KPBS), 1277 (for KPBS 2), 1275 (for KPBS Create), and 1276 (for KPBS Kids).
If you are a customer of Direct TV, Dish or AT&T, KPBS' multicast channels are not currently available via these carriers. However, no public TV multicast channels are being carried by these providers anywhere in the U.S. - so its not just San Diego.
If you have access to an antenna, this is one way you can receive KPBS' additional channels. With an antenna you can view KPBS' primary channel on 15, KPBS-2 on 15.2, Create on 15.3 and KPBS Kids on 15.4.
Moving forward, KPBS will continue to work with our public television leadership to encourage these non-cable television providers to offer public media multicast channels in all US markets.

Create TV is public television’s most-watched lifestyle channel, seen annually by 46 million viewers. KPBS Create presents the best educational and entertaining public television series— from America’s Test Kitchen to Rick Steves’ Europe to This Old House. On the weekends, KPBS Create will air themed marathons featuring 12 hand-picked episodes centered on a specific holiday, host, or event.

The KPBS Kids channel supports the station’s mission to provide curriculum based entertainment through its broadcast and digital platforms. KPBS Kids will present educational children’s shows 24 hours a day, making it easy for San Diego area children to watch their favorite series during primetime and other non-school hours when viewing among families is high. Programs aired on KPBS Kids include popular favorites such as “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Odd Squad,” “Wild Kratts,” and “Dinosaur Train;” PBS Kids’ newest series “Splash and Bubbles,” “Nature Cat,” and “Ready Jet Go!” will also be featured.

The new channel options do not replace the current line-up of kids, how-to or non-fiction programming on the station’s primary channel, 15.1 (Cox 1011). KPBS TV will continue to offer PBS kids during the day, KPBS Evening Edition, and signature series like MASTERPIECE THEATRE, Antiques Roadshow, and Nova.

KPBS Passport is a member benefit provided in collaboration with PBS that gives eligible donors and supporters extended access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming online. The KPBS Passport library currently offers members more than 1,000 episodes to watch, with new PBS programs being added weekly. The library features episodes from popular programs like American Experience, American Masters, Antiques Roadshow, Nature, NOVA, and Masterpiece — including all six seasons of Downton Abbey. In addition to these signature series, the library is full of public television’s acclaimed arts, science, history, and lifestyle programs; including How We Got to Now, Earth a New Wild, Austin City Limits, and a rotating selection of films from Ken Burns — currently Jazz and Unforgivable Blackness The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson are available.

You should have received an email from PBS with your activation code. If you can't find it, you can have it re-sent by entering the email address associated with your membership at www.pbs.org/passport/lookup/.

Once you get the email: If you already have a PBS.org account with which you've saved videos to your watchlist, you'll be asked to activate the benefit on that account. If not, you'll be prompted to create a new account. You can log in to the PBS account with your Google/Gmail account, Facebook account, or your email.

If you are looking for the KPBS Passport members-only video, you'll need to create a separate PBS account. See PBS Help for more information about the PBS login.

To create a KPBS.org account and submit events to our calendar, go to the Events page and click on the Submit an Event button. On the Log In page that follows, select "I'm new," create a username and password, enter your email address, click the check box to accept the terms of service, and click the "Sign up" button.

Your username can consist of any combination of letters and numbers. Please do not use spaces or punctuation. E-mail addresses will not work as usernames. Usernames are case sensitive, i.e., if you registered as JDoe, then you can not log in as jdoe.

Because we are using two different systems for myKPBS and the comments on our news site, you will need to create a separate account for the news site. You are welcome to use the same username and password, but please be aware that changing one does not change the other.

In order to explore benefits that can better serve our members, we have discontinued myKPBS SaversClub, effective July 2016. Members who have previously received these benefits can access the Savers Club websites until July 2017.
KPBS is now offering KPBS Passport as an exclusive member benefit. The KPBS Passport platform allows members to view content on-demand and is more in line with KPBS’ mission to provide our community with educational and engaging content.

KPBS holds three major television membership campaigns each year during the months of August, December and March. We also program short weekend or mini-membership campaigns on KPBS TV at other times during the year. We also hold three radio membership campaigns each year during the months of October, February and April. As a member-supported organization, on-air membership campaigns are the single most effective way to gain new members – while our audience is viewing and listening.

There are many ways you can become a member of the KPBS family. You may call Audience Services at 888-399-5727 to join by telephone using a credit card. You may also join online with a credit card. If you would like to send a check, please mail it to: KPBS Membership Dept., 5200 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182 and include a note with your name, address, phone number and desired membership level. Please write "New Membership" on your check.

KPBS regularly rents names from list brokers to solicit, via mail, potential new members. We also trade mailing lists from time to time with other arts and charitable organizations. Before sending mail solicitations we run a computerized merge/purge process. This process compares our list of member names to the list of names we rent and it purges any duplicate names that are found between the two lists. Sometimes a name or address is different enough on the two lists ("John Smith" vs. "John M. Smith" or "1234 Cass Street" vs. 1234 Kass Street) that an existing member’s name slips through and is mailed a new member appeal. Another cause of duplicate mailings is when a member has more than one account set up in our computer database. Duplicate accounts are sometimes generated during our on air membership campaigns when a member calls in and uses a different variation in the spelling of his/her name. If you believe that you have two or more accounts set up for your membership, please alert KPBS Member Services at 888-399-5727 or via our online contact form

For each one-time gift (paid all at once) KPBS sends an acknowledgement letter/tax receipt within a few weeks after the contribution is made. Members who make more than one such donation during the calendar year should hold on to each acknowledgement letter as we will not automatically mail a separate tax receipt with all of those donations combined. For Sustaining Members and installment-payments only, KPBS mails tax receipts as a courtesy to our members at the beginning of each calendar year, acknowledging the total amount contributed during the previous calendar year. We make every effort to send these by January 31. If you need a receipt at any other time, please contact Member Services at 888-399-5727 or via our online contact form.

Your membership identification number can be found on your renewal notice. It can also be obtained by contacting KPBS Member Services at 888-399-5727 or via our online form. Your membership identification is an eight digit number that begins with a "1" or "0"

Yes. In 2017, KPBS developed a mobile listening app that also features news articles. You can find an iPhone version in the iTunes store. And the Android version on Google Play.
Note: We developed a mobile application in 2011 that was retired in 2014. If you already have the app installed on your phone, it may continue to work, but we will no longer be updating the old app. We recommend downloading the latest app.

To listen to live radio streams on a mobile device, a strong wireless data signal is required. Data is constantly being sent to the device in real-time and a temporary loss in connectivity will cause the stream to be interrupted. For best results, use Wi-Fi when streaming.

Yes, you can watch our local programs on the PBS iPhone app. Here's how:
1. Download the PBS iPhone app
2. Once installed, open the app and click “TV Schedules” at the bottom of the screen
3. Enter the zip code where you watch KPBS on TV
4. Select your Cable Provider
5. Select KPBS as your station
6. Click on the “Programs” icon
7. Pick your show and enjoy watching KPBS on your iPhone

Yes, you can watch our local programs on the PBS iPad app. Here's how:
1. Download the PBS application for iPad
2. Once installed, open the app and click “Select Station” or the “Gear” icon
3. Enter the zip code where you watch KPBS on TV
4. Select your Cable Provider
5. Select KPBS as your station
6. Click on the “Programs” icon (looks like a small stack of cards)
7. Pick your show and enjoy watching KPBS on your iPad

It's possible that the email got held back by your service provider due to network delays or spam filters.

Some email services – including Yahoo and Gmail – automatically prioritize your email inbox based on a number of factors, including who's in your contacts list and which emails you read most regularly. If you add newsletters@kpbs.org to your contacts list, you may begin to see our newsletters appear in your in box in a more timely manner. You can download and open our vCard (file name: kpbs.vcf) to automatically add us to your address book.

Here are some Help articles from email service providers that you may find helpful:

Generally speaking, you should receive your first daily newsletter the next business day after you sign up.

Please add newsletters@kpbs.org to your address book so that your email program recognizes our confirmation email as legitimate. You can download and open our vCard (file name: kpbs.vcf) to automatically add us to your address book.

If you do not see the newsletter, please check your junk or spam folders.

The KPBS is a not-for-profit organization under Internal Revenue Code section 501 C(3). San Diego State University Research Foundation Federal Tax ID Number: 956042721. This also applies to donations made to the KPBS Radio Reading Service.

Qualified listeners can receive one of our standard radios at no charge. That said, the RRS relies heavily on private donations, so we hope that all listeners who can contribute, will consider making a contribution, no matter how small. Our new Internet radios require a $150 donation.

We now send out new Internet radios to qualified listeners who have Internet access where they reside and who can make a $150 donation. These radios provide the best of both worlds: excellent reception, regardless of home location, and an old fashioned physical radio, which is pre-programmed to pick up the KPBS Radio Reading Service after a simple set-up process (inputting the WiFi code). Operation of the radio, once connected to your WiFi, is simple: on/off button and large volume dial. You can apply for these radios through the LISTENER APPLICATION link on our website (www.kpbs.org/read) or you can call 619-594-8170 and leave your request and address in a voice message. We will then mail you an application.

No. We only broadcast locally from 9am to 2pm, Monday through Friday, then switch over to other reading service programming from around the country. Our volunteers are generally here at various times between 9:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m, Monday through Friday.

Prospective volunteers must electronically submit a brief application, listing contact info and availability, along with a brief reading audition. These are accessible from our website; click on the VOLUNTEER link. As more volunteers are needed, applicants will be invited to come in to our KPBS Reading Service studio at San Diego State University for an orientation and brief training. Currently, our volunteers read live newspapers aloud in teams of 2, Monday through Friday, either from 9:30am-12N or from 12N-2pm. Please see our volunteer section for more information.

Since 1975. The service started with a handful of volunteers and less than 10 listeners. We now serve a few thousand listeners throughout the San Diego community and our diverse volunteer roster includes nearly 150 volunteers. There about 125 similar reading services throughout the U.S and a few other internationally.

KPBS provides some of our support but we rely heavily on the generosity of civic groups, philanthropists and individual donations. When making your financial gifts or planning your estate, please keep the Reading Service in mind.

The best way to apply for a radio is to click on the LISTENER APPLICATION link on our website. You can also fill out our hard copy application and mail it in so that we can send you the necessary custom radio. We can send you an application/information packet if you leave your name and address on our voicemail line: 619-594-8170. Anyone can fill out the application, not just the individual who wants the service. A medical professional's authorization is not needed.

As long as you wish. The sub-channel radio (needed to hear the service) is the property of the KPBS Radio Reading Service and is considered a lifetime loan (regardless of whether a donation is made to cover the cost of the receiver or not). If the radio is no longer used at any point, we ask that someone return it so that another new listener may use it. The radios can be returned by mail, free of postage, or dropped off.

It works like any other radio with the biggest difference being that by using a single switch on the unit, the reading service automatically broadcasts without any tuning involved. All of our radios have an earphone plug, but earphones aren't provided. Most regular headsets will fit, but if your particular earphones don't fit, an inexpensive 3/4 inch earphone adapter can be purchased at any major electronic retail store.

If you live in San Diego or nearby surrounding cities and communities of San Diego, there's a good chance it will. Generally our signal doesn't reach more than 60 miles outside of San Diego. If you are wondering if our signal would reach your area, here's a test you can do to see if the service might work for you or someone else: check to see if you can receive KPBS-FM, 89.5 (for some in La Jolla that may be 89.5 or 89.1) on a standard radio. KPBS-FM is a public broadcasting station with news, information and interview programs -- it is our sister station, but it is not the Radio Reading Service. If you are able to get KPBS-FM, you probably will be able to receive the signal of the KPBS Radio Reading Service using our special radio. Unfortunately, if you are unable to get KPBS-FM, you probably will not be able to receive the signal of the Reading Service. We now offer Internet radios, with a $150 donation. These provide excellent reception regardless of what part of San Diego County you live, but they require that you have Internet access.

Anyone who has difficulty reading print qualifies. That would include those who are blind, have partial vision, a physical disability, a debilitating illness (i.e. Alzheimer's), or other related condition. We have listeners of all ages, but the majority of our audience are seniors who have limited vision and varying degrees of difficulty in reading small print (especially the small font sizes typical in newspapers and other publications). The program is open to any age, though we warn parents to monitor their children's listening times as some of our readings can contain adult content. While use of the sub-channel radio is limited to qualified recipients in parts of San Diego county, our live web stream is open to all qualified individuals, regardless of location.

In consideration of potential copyright issues and due to cost factors, the Reading Services delivers programming over a source closed to the general public. The closed access channel used to do this is called a sub-channel or closed radio frequency. A specially tuned radio, obtained through the Reading Service, is needed to receive the the sub-channel. Unfortunately, the radios aren't usually sold through general retail outlets but can be obtained directly through the Reading Service after an application is completed.

Each year, KPBS pays fees to several organizations that allow us to broadcast their programs, including Fresh Air, Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me, The World, and Marketplace. Your donation helps support the production and presentation of these programs - both on air and online.
In addition, KPBS offers programming especially for our local audience. KPBS Midday Edition and The Roundtable are produced by KPBS and present local news in a balanced, thoughtful, and engaging way. Our award winning journalists cover the top local stories each day, providing context and depth unique to public radio.
As a member, your support helps KPBS present valuable, trusted, and enriching content across multiple media outlets for the benefit of the entire community.

There are many factors considered when making a change to the schedule. Rating reports are important; audience tune in (or lack thereof) is one way of measuring a program’s success. Other factors may include program costs, broadcast rights, quality and variety of content, and larger format changes.
Our Director of Programming considers many factors, as noted above, before making changes to the schedule including audience response – both quantitatively via ratings and qualitatively via comments, calls, and emails – and our assessment of the show’s content.
KPBS makes its own decisions based on what we feel is in the best interest of our audience as a whole. We present content that reflects our values of excellence, quality, balance, accuracy, and diversity – values our audience expects from KPBS.

The Takeaway with John Hockenberry brings together perspectives and analysis through conversations with listeners, newsmakers, and journalists and features diverse voices from around the country. The show is a co-production of WNYC Radio and Public Radio International, in collaboration with The New York Times and WGBH Boston.
Invisibilia is a six week series produced by NPR and hosted by Lulu Miller and Alix Spiegel. The show explores the nature of human behavior by weaving together narrative storytelling with new discoveries in brain science.
Wits features today’s comedians, actors, and musicians live on stage for improv, sketch comedy, music, and conversation. Wits is hosted by John Moe and produced by American Public Media.
America’s Test Kitchen is filled with clear, practical information for foodies, cooks, and novices alike. The one hour program is hosted by Chris Kimball and features call-ins and conversations with people who come to food and cooking from unique perspectives
Snap Judgment is an hour of fresh, dynamic storytelling from NPR that dares listeners to see the world in a new way. Hosted by Glynn Washington, Snap Judgment explores themes, events, and lives in dramatic, thoughtful, and creative ways.

When making additions to the schedule, some shows will be removed to make room for the new content. The decision to remove Q from the schedule is based on our assessment of its content and performance. Q offers audio and video podcasts as well as live and on-demand streaming via cbc.ca/q.

The Splendid Table is a well-produced show. However, ratings reports showed a weak audience. Current and previous episodes of the The Splendid Table can be streamed at splendidtable.org. As a TV program, America’s Test Kitchen is among the highest rated lifestyle programs on PBS. We expect the radio version will serve our audience well and offer a lively, fun, and fresh approach to cooking and food.

When making additions to the schedule, some shows will be removed to make room for the new content. The decision to remove Day 6 from the schedule was two-fold. Although it is a quality news show, it is too Canadian-centric. Additionally, recent ratings reports revealed low audience numbers. Fans of Day 6 can stream the program or download the podcasts at http://www.cbc.ca/day6/.

Fresh Air was the only non-news program during KPBS’ midday schedule. Recent ratings reports have shown a steady decrease in audience for Fresh Air at its afternoon time slot, though audience for the station’s news content has been at an all-time high.
Fresh Air with Terry Gross provides insightful, thoughtful conversation on a wide variety of topics including the arts, science, and culture. We consider the show and the topics covered to be vitally important to our understanding of the world. The show is a part of our weekday schedule at 8 p.m.

Fresh Air with Terry Gross will continue to be an important part of the KPBS Radio schedule. The new schedule will feature Fresh Air Mondays-Thursdays at 8 p.m. In addition to the 8 p.m. broadcast, the show is accessible daily via freshair.npr.org. Listeners can also subscribe to the Fresh Air podcast.

KPBS is changing its radio program schedule to better meet our audience’s need for timely, relevant news during the day. Recent ratings reports reveal KPBS’ Radio audience at an all-time high. This tells us that KPBS’ news content is what our listeners expect. The move to feature more news in the middle of the day supports KPBS’ mission to be a trusted source of news and information for the greater San Diego community.
The station is always on the lookout for new talent and great programs. When they become available and seem to have a future — like Snap Judgment and Wits — we want to find room for them in the schedule. Given the limited air time, some shows will have to be removed to make room for new shows. We also want to give more prominent time slots to programs that have become popular with our audience like Ask Me Another and TED Radio Hour. Overall we want to continue providing a reliable news and information service, but also bring new voices to the air when possible.

A Web stream delivers live audio through the Internet to your computer. If you have a computer with an Internet connection, you have everything you need. Just visit KPBS.org where you can listen for free.